Previously, Jonathan assisted a man named Clyde, who was searching for information regarding a hidden library said to contain a massive trove on knowledge.
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon Rejuvenation, it is the property of its creator, SuperJanBro.
Chapter 9:
The next morning
Jonathan had finished packing his bag and tidied up the room he stayed in for the night, as he prepared himself for the next day. His next destination; Sheridan Village, the location of the second Gym in the Aevium League. The young man's mind was feeling a lot better than it had been for the last few days, which would make the upcoming battle a lot easier since it would mean that Jonathan would be able to make logical decisions easier. The young man exited the laboratory and proceeded to make his way to Gearen Station, in order to catch a train. When he arrived at the train station, Jonathan walked up to the counter and requested a ticket to the station on Route 2, which he received and paid for. He then entered the train and sat down on an empty seat, as the train proceeded to leave the station. The young man looked out the window, and saw the lush cherry blossoms that made Route 2 famous, the bright pink grass growing by the tall trees. Around five minutes later, the train arrived at the station, with the young man hopping out and began the trek to Amethyst Cave.
"Hopefully I don't have a repeat of what happened last time…" the young man muttered to himself, remembering all the mishaps the young man had with Nim. She was a nice person, but he wasn't in the mood for any of her tricks today. After a few minutes, he found himself at the familiar entrance of Amethyst Cave, the crystals by the cave mouth reflecting the sunlight and illuminating the cave. He took a deep breath and entered the cave for the second time, and walked down the same path that he went down the first time. However when he arrived at the fork in the road, he went down the northern path, since the south path lead to a dead end…and many bad memories. After walking down the northern path for a few minutes, Jonathan entered a new room and was amazed at what he saw.
The cavern had a large pool of water in the middle of the room that was created as a result of a fairly tall waterfall. There was lush patches of grass growing by the edge of the water, with several Bug, Grass and Water type Pokémon making their home in the undergrowth. Like the rest of the cave, there were fist-sized amethyst crystals growing from the walls and even the ground. It was then that Jonathan noticed something going on by the top of the waterfall, what looked like some coloured specks clashing with each other. The young man edged closer to the top and realised that it was Karrina and a few members of her gang fighting what appeared to be another gang.
"Uhh, what's going on here?" Jonathan asked Karrina, who turned around and noticed the young man running up to her.
"Ah, perfect timing. We're preventing a rival gang from entering Gearen City." Karrina explained. "I'm a bit busy here, so if you could fight the rival leader, that'll be sweet."
"Alright then, which one of these chumps is the leader?" Jonathan asked, as Karrina pointed to a rather imposing man by the edge of the waterfall. He had wavy grey hair that reached the base of his neck, and a matching colour beard. He had a rotund figure and wore a black leather jacket, a grey t-shirt and a pair of jeans with a few tears in the knees.
"Ha! You must be that punk Karrina was yapping on about." The leader scoffed. "I'm Charly, of the Charly Horse gang. If you think you can beat me, then you must be sorely mistaken. Go, Primeape!" He sent out his Pokémon, with the Pig Monkey Pokémon jumping up and down on the spot and throwing a few mock punches.
"In that case, I choose you Harptera!" Jonathan sent out his Dragonfly Pokémon, as it hovered in the air and locked eyes with the Primeape.
"Ha, I'll crush that wimpy little pest!" Charly bragged. "Primeape, use Rock Slide!" The Primeape barrelled towards a large boulder and lifted it off the ground, before throwing it into the air using its enormous strength. It then jumped into the air and landed a barrage of lightning-quick punches that shattered the boulder into small rocks, which proceeded to hurtle towards Harptera.
"Dodge and retaliate with Aerial Ace!" Jonathan called out. The Harptera proceeded to flit through the air, dodging the incoming rocks as it charged towards the Primeape at high speeds, landing a direct hit on the Pig Monkey Pokémon and causing it to be sent flying back a few feet and hitting the ground hard. The Primeape leapt up from the ground and glared at it's opponent and proceeded to jump up and down on the spot, steam coming out of it's nostrils and it's blood pressure increasing. The young man knew that it would only be a matter of time before the Primeape started one of it's rampages that the species is infamous for. He had to knock it out quick, or it would cause some major havoc. The Primeape's body was coated in a harsh orange aura as it proceeded to charge at the Dragonfly Pokémon.
"Superpower…never knew you learnt the move." Charly muttered to himself, before he sneered at Jonathan. "Now what are you going to do, punk?"
"What I'm going to do is send you and your Primeape packing!" Jonathan retorted. "Harptera, use Aerial Ace again!" The Dragonfly Pokémon proceeded to dart towards the infuriated Primeape a second time, its body glowing a sky blue. It collided into the Primeape and sent it hurtling into a decent sized boulder, knocking the Pig Monkey out.
"Argh…you got lucky there!" Charly growled, recalling his Primeape and reaching for another Pokéball. "But now it's time for my Vigoroth to punish you!" he sent out his next Pokémon, with the Wild Monkey Pokémon materialising from it's Pokéball and started to jump on the spot incredibly quickly.
"This could be a bit tricky…" Jonathan mused to himself, before making a decision on his next move. "Harptera, use X-Scissor!"
"I'll take you out before you even get a chance to strike me! Vigoroth, use Uproar!" Charly retorted. The Vigoroth inhaled deeply and proceeded to unleash an ear-splitting screech that caused everyone else in the room to cover their ears in pain. The screech echoed throughout the cave, intensifying it even further and causing a few stalactites to start quivering in their spot, before they broke off from the ceiling and came hurtling down. Several Pokémon on Karrina's side, including Jonathan's Harptera were struck by the falling rocks and were knocked out as a result.
"Ahh…that came out of nowhere." Jonathan winced, as he recalled his fainted Pokémon and reached for another ball. "Guess it's time for Drilgann to take a stand!" the young man sent out his next Pokémon, who materialised from it's ball and stared at the hostile Vigoroth. The Vigoroth took in another deep breath and let out a screech that echoed through the cave once more. Drilgann took the initiative and burrowed underground to evade the noise pollution, as it burrowed its way towards Vigoroth. A few seconds later, it emerged from the ground and tackled Vigoroth, causing it to fly up in the air.
"Is that all you got? Vigoroth, use Focus Energy, followed up by Slash!" Charly called out. The Vigoroth leapt down onto a boulder and focused all of its attention towards the Drilgann. It's body shone a bright white for a few seconds, as the Vigoroth sneered at its opponents, eager to land a critical hit on the Drilgann. The Vigoroth the charged at the Drill Pokémon, the Wild Monkey's claws glowing harshly as it proceeded to land a deadly slash on the mole's body, causing it to moan in pain.
"Argh…that looked like it hurt." Jonathan winced, cringing at what he saw. "I better end this battle quickly. Drilgann, use Crunch!" The Drilgann glared at the Vigoroth and proceeded to sink its fangs into the Wild Monkey, causing it to howl in pain. The giant mole shook its victim side-to-side for a bit, before proceeding to fling it into the boulder, causing it the shatter into lots of smaller rocks. When the dust settled, it showed that the Vigoroth was knocked out from the attack.
"Grrr! This isn't over!" Charly growled, recalling his Vigoroth and reaching for his last Pokéball. "Machamp, annihilate these weaklings!" The Superpower Pokémon emerged from it's Pokéball and sneered at the Drilgann, while it flexed it's thick, muscular arms.
"Dr-Drilgann, use Earthquake!" Jonathan stuttered, intimidated by the powerful Machamp. The mole Pokémon raised it's forelegs up in the air and slammed them down on the ground, causing it to tremble as a few more stalactites fell from the ceiling and crashed onto the ground. The Machamp winced in pain as it attempted to maintain it's balance while getting pelted by the falling rocks.
"Machamp, retaliate with Vital Throw!" Charly called out loudly. The Machamp barrelled towards Drilgann and hoisted it above its shoulders, before throwing it towards the wall behind Jonathan. The young man ran up to his fainted Pokémon and checked to see if there was any serious damage, which there wasn't thankfully.
"Sorry about that…" he apologised to his trusted comrade, as he recalled it into its Pokéball before reaching for another one. "Alright then, time to avenge your fallen comrade Frosthra!" the young man sent out his majestic Frost Moth Pokémon, as it flitted in the air and spread small snowflakes all throughout the room, capturing everyone's attention.
"Oh wow…now that looks amazing." Karrina stared in awe.
"Hah! That bug may look pretty, but I'll crush it into little pieces." Charly sneered. "Machamp, use Cross Chop!"
"Not today mate!" Jonathan quipped. "Frosthra, send your opponent into the next Ice Age with Blizzard!" The Machamp crossed its arms and charged at the Frosthra, ready to land a decisive blow. Frosthra retaliated by flapping it's large wings rapidly to create a powerful blizzard that chilled Machamp down to the bone. The Superpower Pokémon started to panic as it was starting to get frozen on the spot, it's body becoming a prisoner of the relentless cold. A few seconds later, it was completely enveloped in ice as Charly gawked at the Frosthra in surprise.
"This isn't over Karrina!" Charly barked at her, recalling his Machamp. "I'll get you next time, and your mate won't be there to save your skin!" Karrina and her gang cheered as the Charly Horses began a hasty retreat.
"You're amazing Jonathan! We couldn't have won without you!" Karrina thanked the young man.
"Ehh, I was in the area." Jonathan replied, recalling his Frosthra. "I got to get going, wouldn't want to be late for my next Gym Battle."
"If there's anything you need, then don't hesitate to give me a call. I'm sure we can work something out." Karrina offered, as the two went their separate ways.
5 minutes later
Jonathan had finally emerged from Amethyst cave and arrived at a quaint little village. The village was split up into two parts; the residential district where the majority of the citizens lived that was south of a large lake that stemmed from a large waterfall; and the commercial district where the shops and important buildings were located. The young man then spotted two people who appeared to be bickering amongst each other. The first one was an old lady who wore a long lilac dress and had grey hair that reached the top of her shoulders. The second person was a girl around his age who had magenta hair done up in a ponytail, and wore a grey t-shirt with red sleeves, purple sweat shorts and white sneakers.
"Aelita, the Sensei must have his reasons for shutting himself off." The old lady said. "You need to realize this."
"But Sheridan Village is a place of community! It's always been our pride and joy to be united as one!" the now named Aelita argued. "Now people are leaving from the village, just like the legend said would happen. What are we supposed to do about this?"
"Just because some people leave the community, doesn't mean that it's the end. Our village has been through many hardships, and has always came out stronger for it." the old lady replied calmly, in an attempt to get Aelita to see reason.
"Is that right?! Well that's reassuring…" Aelita said, as she started to calm down from her previous outburst.
"Yes it is, young one. Never give up hope, as it will show up even when things seem hopeless." The elder motivated the young woman.
"You're right! In fact, I'm going to speak to Sensei right now." Aelita smiled, as she made her way to the large building built into the waterfall.
"Wait! Now's not the right—"the old woman began, but was too late. "There's so much of Vivian in that lass…" she muttered as she turned around and was surprised to see Jonathan standing by the cave entrance.
"Ah, my apologies." Jonathan apologised.
"No need to say sorry young man. Welcome to Sheridan Village." The elder greeted the young man. "Please enjoy yourself and become one with your mind and soul."
"Alright then, thank you miss." The young man thanked her, as she proceeded to make her way into the village. "Now then, time for a little look around…"
The young man proceeded to make his way to the commercial district, where he'd seen Aelita heading towards. After all, maybe she'll know where the Gym Leader is. Jonathan then walked up a set of stairs and saw what looked like a battleground painted on an island in the middle of the river that flowed through the village. There were two trainers battling each other with their Fighting type Pokémon, as if it were a martial arts tournament.
'So from the look of things, the residents here use Fighting type Pokémon.' Jonathan thought to himself, as he began planning on which Pokémon to use. Fighting type Pokémon are strong against a lot of types, but also had several weaknesses. Flying type Pokémon were out of the question since most Fighting type Pokémon can learn Rock type moves to counter them. Psychic type Pokémon are a good option, as they can hit hard and fast. However most Psychic type Pokémon are quite frail, and can't take much punishment. Sighing to himself, Jonathan took his attention away from the battle and made his way to the building built into the waterfall.
When he entered the building, he was greeted by a middle aged man with short black hair, who wore a purple jacket, a white undershirt and a pair of grey sweatpants with black socks. The man had a sullen expression on his face, as if he was experiencing a bout of depression.
"Oh look…another trainer has come to claim my badge." The man sighed, clearly not in the mood to battle Jonathan. "You trainers are all the same; going above and beyond human capabilities, and for what, a silly little piece of metal? But you most likely don't give a damn about me rambling. That's fine, no one usually does."
"I-if you want I can come back another time. I have no problem with it." Jonathan suggested, as the man gazed inquisitively at him.
"Forgive me for grouping you with other trainers, there's clearly something…different about you." The man apologised. "However I will need to test this. I need you to go into Amethyst Cave and find the secret grotto. Once you find it, I need you to retrieve a Soul Stone. Do this, and I'll battle you for a badge."
"Alright then, I'll get you a Soul Stone, whatever it is." Jonathan replied, as he exited the house and made his way back to Amethyst Cave.
1 hour later
Jonathan had searched every nook and cranny he could think of in the quest for this Soul Stone that the Gym Leader wanted. He had found a little alcove which had a large red crystal growing out of the ground. The young man sat down on the ground and leant on the crystal, when he was startled by the ground beneath his feet trembling. The mini quake lasted for around ten seconds, when it suddenly stopped, and was followed by what sounded like a door opening. Jonathan turned to his side and saw that there was a new entrance, one that hadn't been there before.
"Ahh, just like in Goldenwood Forest, where I was helping…Melia…" the young man mused to himself, before he clammed up and was overcome with grief. He still wasn't over her tragic death; it felt like yesterday that he laid eyes on her bloodstained bag. A part of him blamed Ren for her death, as the man was too busy worrying over some fucking spiders. Picking himself up off the ground, Jonathan proceeded to enter the newly formed entrance and was amazed at what he saw.
The Amethyst Grotto had a wide variety of lush green grass, and even had a few brick walls around the place. There was also a mysterious fog that blanketed the grotto. It was as if the young man had stumbled into the courtyard of a medieval castle. Just then, a ghostly figure appeared out of thin air and began gazing at Jonathan. The young man looked at it carefully, it looked a lot like the Gym Leader who sent him here to begin with.
"Follow me…" the ghostly figure called out, beckoning Jonathan to follow it. The young man obliged and proceeded to follow the figure deeper into the grotto, baffled by how the Gym Leader could be in Sheridan Village, yet his soul wandered the grotto. Perhaps it was why the man was so depressed when they talked to each other. Eventually, the ghost led the young man to a chamber that had a pedestal in the centre, as well as a pair of imposing Arceus statues.
"I should tell you that I am not Keta, or at least his physical form." The ghost broke the ice. "I am the manifestation of his emotions and soul."
"Uhh…mind telling me what's going on here?" Jonathan asked, confused by all of what he's hearing.
"Keta has a lot of darkness surrounding his past. Every day was another day in hell to him. He could not handle the guilt inside of him, so he used a secret power located in Sheridan to separate us." Keta's soul explained. "Thus I was born into this world, and subsequently banished to this grotto."
"That makes sense, I guess…" Jonathan replied, curious on what power could separate a person soul from their physical body.
"It's quite odd how Keta sent a random trainer here in his steed. Has he gotten desperate, or does he see something special in you?" Keta's soul mused, before he looked up at Jonathan. "Tell me, do you know that Keta's a member of Team Xen?"
"Wait, what?!" Jonathan exclaimed. "I never knew that."
"Mm, didn't think so. You have no reason to fear us. I believe that my physical form sent you here, because he still cannot destroy his guilt." Keta's soul commented. "He's too prideful to face himself, a pity if I say so myself. Since you're apparently special enough to enter this sacred place, then maybe things can change if you battle him."
"Sounds like a plan." Jonathan declared. "The only problem is that I need a Soul Stone."
"A Soul Stone?" Keta's soul asked, as he turned around and retrieved a clear crystal orb from the pedestal, and handed it to the young man. "By showing Keta how you battle, perhaps his mind shall be swayed to the right path. He'll finally put an end to this, once and for all." The spirit proceeded to fade into the same fog that he appeared from. Jonathan looked at the Soul Stone in the palm of his hand, before pocketing it and making his way back towards Sheridan Village.
I do apologise for the late update, I've just been suffering from some serious writers block lately. The next chapter should have the battle between Jonathan and Keta.